Community Action of South Mississippi·Vancleave, Mississippi
The Assistant Teacher supports the lead teacher in fostering the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children while ensuring a safe and welfare-focused environment. They are responsible for promoting family engagement and assisting with daily classroom activities in accordance with Head Start standards.
Description Position Purpose To ensure the young children we serve have a solid foundation for life. To encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children and to attend to their safety and welfare. To promote family engagement in all aspects of the program. To assist the classroom Teacher in providing quality classroom activities that meet requirements of Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.
Physical Demands Work involves frequent movements in the classroom and the facility.
Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard office equipment.
Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.
Must be able to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more as it may be required during emergencies or other circumstances.
Must be able to perform activities on the floor and outdoors with children, keeping pace with the energy level of the children.
Must recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action.
Must be available to accompany children on field trips and assisting them on/off the bus and crossing the street.
Mental Demands Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Must have the ability to apply Early Childhood Development knowledge and focus on infant/toddler theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.
Special Demands Must possess superior customer service skills. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e. telephone, fax, etc.). Must have the ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment including the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need removed or redirected in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others. Must have a valid drivers’ license and a satisfactory driving record.
Education High School Diploma or GED required.
License / Certification Must obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) within eighteen (18) months of start date.
Experience A minimum of six (6) months experience working with toddlers and pre-school age children preferred.
Market context
Assistant Teacher roles in Mississippi are often driven by steady demand in early childhood settings, where schools and centers need reliable classroom support. This role is competitive because employers commonly look for a high school diploma or GED, willingness to earn a CDA within 18 months, and prior toddler or preschool experience. Before applying, review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, and be ready to note any hands-on childcare experience in your application.